I settled on this Ralph Lauren wool houndstooth suiting sight unseen (which had me a little worried since I’m such a tactile fabric purchaser) along with a few other inspirational fall/winter fabrics. MoodFabrics.com promised a “flannel-like feel” and I was not disappointed. The fabric is so soft, it’s hard to believe it’s 100% wool (not once did my daughter say it was itchy).

In a world where it feels like 8 year old little girls don’t get to stay little girls quite long enough, the vintage style of Simplicity 8021 mixed with a fabric touted as “great for period pieces” created a dress reminiscent of days gone by.

Instead of a fabric collar for this “prim and proper” dress, I opted for a detachable crocheted collar I made a few months ago

When using a menswear fabric for a little girl’s dress, little feminine details are very important. I started with a very wavy invisible zipper which I immediately tore out. My next try was an exposed vintage, mustard, metal zipper. Sometimes things go wrong to make room for better things to go right.

A little lace to finish the hem and a brightly colored floral lining from the stash helped silent my daughter’s my daughter’s fears that I was using a “boy fabric” for her beloved Christmas dress.

I love the way this pop of color adds a modern touch to the vintage-inspired dress but the zipper installation was still a little wavy for my liking, even with interfacing and stay stitching. Apparently it’s been a while since I’ve used a zipper. I’d love to hear anyone’s zipper tips and tricks in the comments.

P.S. Don’t mistake the prim and proper dress for a prim and proper girl.

Comments

Ahhhh CARRIE! Everything you make for your girls I want to wear myself! This is so cute! I love the zipper detail! As far as zipper tricks go, I always stabilize the zipper opening with either fusible interfacing or silk organza, and I try to match the weight of the zipper to the weight of the fabric. But it looks good, honestly!

This is a wonderful girls dress. Very sweet but not kiddish, so perfect for the tween years! I especially love the extra love you gave it with the crocheted collar. I hope mood will opt to do more children’s fashion blogging. I do enjoy sewing for myself but more often then not my children get the attention of my sewing and I’d love to see how your fabrics transfer to that arena.

Thanks Mae! Kid’s clothing is my forte so you’ll be seeing more of it from me (with a few selfish sewing projects every once in a while). When it comes to sewing, I love quality over quantity and I love how the fabrics from Mood help me create amazing heirloom pieces for my kids.

Crystal D.December 5, 2013

OH! I just love this! Geek chic is FABULOUS. Very age appropriate and made with so much love ad attention to detail. I agree with Mae. I love seeing kids fashion. I sew for myself a lot and just as much for my kids. It’s awesome to see some youngin style here <3

RIGHT?! Since the boogers won’t quit growing neither does the need for their garments. I can sew myself a dress and keep it for YEARS, completely impossible for children. I want more ideas on how to use interesting fabrics I’ve never worked with. So much easier to scrap a 1 yd kids project than a 3 yd dress for myself. Then, once I feel comfortable using the fabric I’m ready to move to a piece for myself.

JenDecember 5, 2013

totally!! I hate trying new fabric and pattern combos on myself! Kids stuff can be made with so little fabric it is wonderful! Very refreshing to see a kid garment made with something other than quilting cotton! I would not have thought of this fabric for a girls dress